Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson has today brought a motion to the Assembly, as Chairperson of the All-Party Group on Homelessness, to mark the beginning of Homeless Awareness Week 2024.

Speaking after the debate, the party’s housing spokesperson said:

“As homelessness awareness week begins today, I want to pay tribute to all those organisations who support homeless people in our society, and raise awareness around their lived reality.

“Today, I brought forward a cross-party motion to the Assembly to highlight the unprecedented challenges we are facing when it comes to homelessness, particularly in areas of highest housing need including Belfast and Derry.

“Reliance on temporary accommodation has increased massively over the past five years, with funding for homeless services under increasing pressure.

“To tackle homelessness, we must see a step-change in the Housing Executive to see the delivery of social and affordable housing at scale giving every family and individual a home which is safe, secure, comfortable and of good quality.

“The British government should also ensure the Executive is fairly funded which would allow us to build more homes, which is a Programme for Government priority.”